Lidia Todorova – Page 235 – Automobiles Review

Athletic: Vorsteiner BMW F13 M6 Gran Coupe

Vorsteiner BMW F13 M6 Gran Coupe comes to offer the BMW enthusiasts more athletic stance and modern styling thanks to the new released tuning program. It highlights the lines of the M6 beast and makes it stand even more out.

The specialists at Vorsteiner have started the modification with add-on spoiler, which has a subtle but effective design. It directs the airflow and adds down force. In addition, it also gives the car a lower stance and improves its performance capabilities.

Furthermore, the add-on side skirts give this BMW lower and more aggressive appearance. They keep the vehicle balanced and create additional down force. What additionally helps the performance is the new rear diffuser attached to the rear bumper.

This element includes four extended aero fins and an upper splitter. The function of the rear diffuser is to reduce the turbulence and enhance the airflow from under the vehicle. At the same time the top splitter creates down force.

What rounds off the aero kit is the boot lid spoiler, which is created with the aim to deliver additional rear down force, while improving the style of the M6. All of the mentioned components are made of pre-preg carbon fiber.

At last, the overall appearance of the Vorsteiner BMW F13 M6 Gran Coupe is finished by the set of 21 inch VSE-003 forged aluminum wheels with five twin spoke design. They retain the factory tire pressure monitoring system in order to minimize unsprung weight for improved vehicle handling and performance.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 18, 2013

2014 Lexus IS With Included Advanced Technology Pack

2014 Lexus IS is now going to be equipped with even more advanced safety features and driving aids thanks to the introduction of an additional option pack. The latter will be exclusively offered for the flagship Premier versions of the new IS 250 and full hybrid IS 300h.

To be more precise, it consists of the following four enhancements: Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Assist (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). The first system – the PCS system utilizes a millimetre-wave radar sensor which works over a 20-degree scanning radius in order to find obstacles in the vehicle’s path, even when cornering.

In addition, the PCS uses several sensors, a pre-collision computer monitors vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs. This helps in the earlier determination of an impending collision.

For instance, if there is a high risk of a collision, this system alerts the driver immediately with a buzzer and warning on the multimedia display. Simultaneously it activates the Pre-Crash Seatbelt pretensioners, and when the driver begins to brake, it additionally provides Pre-Crash Brake Assist. And in the cases when the driver does not brake, then the Pre-Crash Brake automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact speed.

The other feature is the Adaptive Cruise Control which works in two modes: constant speed control and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. The first mode operates at speeds above 31mph (50km/h), and it is as a conventional cruise control system.

The second mode has the ability to differentiate between vehicles directly ahead, and those in a lane in the vicinity. It utilizes the PCS millimetre-wave radar sensor at a constant speed, as well as decelerator, follow-up and accelerator controls. They work in terms of slowing the Lexus, matching its speed in front and, and once the road ahead is clear – accelerating back to the previously selected cruising speed.

The Lane Departure Alert system on the other hand monitors road markings via a camera mounted on the rear-view mirror. The camera can detect if the 2014 IS is deviating from its lane without the turn signals being used. Then it signals by sounding a buzzer and showing a warning on the instrument display.

At last, the Automatic High Beam function for the headlamps enhances the night-time visibility by automatically switching to low beam when the system’s camera detects the lights of an oncoming vehicle or one travelling ahead.

Source: Lexus

June 17, 2013

2014 Opel Insignia To Debut At Frankfurt Motor Show

2014 Opel Insignia will celebrate its world debut at the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show in mid September. The exclusive model will offer its customers even more attractive interior and exterior styling.

Furthermore, the car will include new and more powerful ultra-efficient direct injection engines – namely the two new-generation Turbo gasoline units and the 99 g Turbo diesel. They will expand the engine choices that are currently being offered. As a matter of fact, both variants (the 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) consume just 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. This makes the new 2014 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the most fuel efficient diesel car in its class.

In addition, chassis improvements now contribute towards better agility and comfort. The new infotainment system on the other hand integrates many smartphone functions into the car and can be operated via a touchpad in the center console.

Three criteria were on the spotlight during the improvement of the cockpit. It had to be clear, simple and to deliver intuitive operation. In addition, the goals were to offer the occupants comfort and safety. The center console is now refined and it includes a range of new technologies and functions.

As stated already, the new infotainment generation in the Insignia can be now manipulated via eight-inch touchpad. Through it the driver accesses all functions and sub-menus. In addition, the infotainment system can be controlled via clearly laid-out steering wheel controls as well as voice commands.

What is more, the new Opel Insignia now includes refreshments in terms of powertrain and chassis. For instance, the enhancements to the chassis include modifications on the dampers, stabilizers and steering, resulting in decreased noise and higher comfort.

On the other hand, the engine choice has been expanded via the introduction of three propulsion alternatives: gasoline, diesel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). In particular, the new Insignia 2.0 CDTI generates 88 kW (120 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque or 103 kW (140 hp) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque (depending on the model), and in addition it emits only 99 g/km of CO2.

Next, the top of the range diesel unit is the 143 kW (195 hp) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI one. The high-performance diesel with sequential, two stage turbo chargers generates torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). It also delivers direct responsiveness and great propulsion power across a broad rpm range.

Moreover, the gasoline engines offered for this Opel model are the two turbo direct injection units: the 2.0 SIDI Turbo with 184 kW (250 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) maximum torque as well as the 1.6 SIDI Turbo from the newest engine generation with 125 kW (170 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft).

The most economical unit in the range however is the 103 kW (140 hp) 1.4 LPG one. It generates maximum torque of 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) and has a fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km and low CO2 emissions of 124 g/km.

To go further into details, the exterior design of this Opel now includes low-and-wide front graphic to visually pronounce its wide stance. The high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower and the brand bar that cradles the Opel logo is leaner and features winglets that link the eye to the re-designed headlamps.

The latter come with bi-xenon lamps including the safety lighting system AFL+. In addition, they are made in high gloss black with embedded chrome accents. The up-level headlamps feature a wing signature daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

Moreover, the lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide. This further emphasizes the upper grille size. The fog lamps on the other hand are combined with wide black inserts and chrome accents.

Observed from side, the new Insignia features new unique tailgates and integrated spoiler design. The roofline reaches the spoiler trailing edge thus highlighting the classic coupe silhouette.

At the rear the new Insignia includes wider and lower proportions. Here, the high-gloss chrome brand bar is positioned lower on the tailgate and features Opel’s logo. It extends into the tail lamps to include the slim-look reverse functions.

2014 Opel Insignia will be offered as a four-door, five-door and Sports Tourer variant; prices begin at 24,325 euros with first orders starting from 21st of June.

Source: Opel

June 17, 2013

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart has just been born out of the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and luxury menswear brand Spencer Hart. The vehicle shows elegance, style and glamour, and in addition brings together the design philosophies from the worlds of fashion and automotive engineering.

CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart has been styled by Nick Hart – the Creative Director of the famous menswear brand. This special edition car appears in a specially created colour ‘Nick Hart Midnight Blue’, which stuns with its extremely stylish cues.

In addition, for the project has been chosen subtle, dark, understated finishes for interior. CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart includes special dark Chocolate Brown Italian leather seats with contrasting Midnight Blue stitching. Of course, Spencer Hart’s logo is embroidered into each headrest. The unique design is further enhanced by Nick Hart’s signature, creating a subtle feature on the centre console.

The world debut of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake took place at the “Night of the Stars” at the Formula 1 German Grand Prix in July 2012. This unique high-performance vehicle from AMG was the new embodiment of an innovative vehicle concept. In essence it represents an unprecedented embodiment of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate.

The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with 557HP (410 kW) at 5,500RPM and 720Nm (533 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. It needs only 4.2 seconds to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. This car showcases that with creativity and imagination one can create something unique and special.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 17, 2013

INDEN Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Borrasca

In Spanish Borasca means storm and thunderstorm, and this was the name given by INDEN Design to their latest projcet. They have transformed the iconic Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster model.

The designers confirm that it was tough to modify something that already has an inherent perfection. Fot this reason a good number of minor but highly effective „touches“ has been done on the sophisticated outer shell of this Mercedes-Benz.

First of all, in order to imrpve the aerodynamics of the vehicke, INDEN Design integrated a new bumper bar at the front in addition to the individual front spoiler lip. The latter was made entirely of high-grade carbon fiber tissue as well as the new engine hood.

When obsereved from the side, the SLS Borrasca stands out with its new mud guard with inserts of carbon fibers and black fins. Additionally, there were also added completely new side skirts with rear air shaft. At the rear the specialists have applied carbon fiber in the new rear apron which features a diffuser.

Furthermore, there is also visible a new stainless steel sports exhaust system with flap control. However, it is modified to have the original AMG end-pipes. In terms of power, the SLS AMG Roadster now generates 635 hp (467 kW).

The power is realized on the road via a set of classical light alloy rims with ten arched double spokes. In combination with a lowering of circa 15 mm, the wheel set fills the wheel houses of the SLS perfectly well in the format 10.5×21 and 11.5×21 inches for the front and rear respectively. The wheels are matched with Continental tires in the formats 265/30/21 and 295/25/21.

Source: INDEN Design

June 17, 2013

2014 Lexus IS Shows Brilliance And Style In Two New Ads

The brand new 2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan is having an exclusive launch via two new television spots. They are stylish and visually designed to be nothing less but provocative. The IS is going to be available in showrooms next month, is the latest vehicle in the Lexus lineup and it embodies company’s commitment to bold and dynamic design.

To be more precise, this is the third-generation IS and it comes offering bold new styling and dynamic driving characteristics. This is exactly what the TV spots capture and even more, they challenge the customers with ‘It’s Your Move’ appeal.

The two new general market spots are created by Team One agency and include everything that makes more purposeful statement: music, fashion, and contrasting colors. The emotions in the two ads are entirely different as they preview the serious yet playful faces of the IS.

In the first advertisement named “Crowd” the bold and distinctive white IS F SPORT is revealed. In it this particular Lexus model heads to the open desert, the antithesis of the crowd, where it gains complete freedom and independence reign. The aim of the commercial is to highlight that things designed to draw a crowd are good, but leaving the crowd behind is more rewarding.

The second spot is called “Color Shift” and it aims to show more fun and excitement to blend out than blend in. It dares the customers to exquisitely stand out and to be different. In it the cars become characters themselves and undoubtedly showcase the exquisite experience of driving the new IS.

“Crowd” and “Color Shift” are going to be officially aired during this year’s U.S. Open Championship.

Source: Lexus

June 14, 2013

TEASER: Nissan To Debut New Vehicle For Le Mans [VIDEO]

Nissan is going to return to Le Mans next year in the Garage 56 with a brand new vehicle. This news was announced by the brand’s CEO Carlos Ghosn announced in February. Back then was also disclosed that the car will focus on innovation and excitement.

Now, the new car unveil is only a week away and its reveal will be available to see exclusively and live on Nismo.TV. The official debut of the 2014 Garage 56 entry will be on Friday, 21st of June at 10:30am. With this vehicle Nissan hopes for an LMP1 future.

Below you can view a teaser video, which is called “Electrifying future” and hints that probably the new race car will be all-electric. It is possible of course, that the new car is equipped with hybrid drivetrian. However, the logo revealed by the end of the video teaser suggests a zero emissions vehicle, which was once used to promote the racing version of the Nissan Leaf.

httpv://youtu.be/pn9ZZ-iT6wc

Video And News Source: YouTube

June 14, 2013

Porsche LMP1 To Compete In 2014 WEC And Le Mans

New Porsche LMP1 Sports Prototype is going to compete in the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from next year. The car has successfully completed its first rollout today on the Porsche test track in Weissach.

As a matter of fact, LMP1 turned its first laps several weeks earlier than planned, this allows few additional weeks for more testing and further development. The regulations for next year are mainly based on efficiency, which makes the competition amongst engineers more interesting and hides new challenges.

In addition, it was announced that from the 2014 season, the Porsche LMP1 racer will be fielded by a Weissach-based works squad. The first person to drive the vehicle on the race track was Timo Bernhard, who said that the car feels great and impatiently looks forward to testing it in the coming weeks and months with his colleague Romain Dumas.

The main aim of the development of this Porsche was to achieve the best possible efficiency without compromising on performance. The engineers started with a blank sheet of paper in the design of the new LMP1 race car.

Therefore they were able to apply many new technologies within the framework of the regulations necessary for the racings. These technologies will be applied to brand’s road legal automobiles in the future. After all, there’s a race car in every Porsche.

Source: Porsche

June 14, 2013

Stylish: Kahn Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 XS RS300

Land Rover Discovery has always been an important part of the stylish off-road vehicles, and has established a prominent place in its own market segment thus becoming an international success.

Now, the designers at A. Kahn Design are presenting to us a modified version of this iconic model, and consequently what we can expect is nothing less than luxury, style and class. The exterior of the vehicle is decided in voluptuous diamond pearl white and in addition the visual attributes of this Land Rover are further complemented by Kahn’s styling package.

To go further into details, the styling package for this particular vehicle comprises of RS front grille with 3D mesh, RS pair of vented front and rear air dams, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, exterior Kahn enamel tailgate logo, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, front wheel arch LED light strips, Kahn enamel wing shields, 9.5 x 22” RS600 wheels and privacy tinted glass.

Of course, being a true A. Kahn Design masterpiece, the Discovery didn’t go without various enhancements throughout the interior. It has been upholstered in an exceedingly fine material, which underwent rigorous process that accentuates the natural look and smoothness of quilted and perforated leather.

What is more, one can see inside a diamond quilted glove box with contrast stitching and four door armrest that again include stitching. Additional interior improvements include coloured rev counter dial, floor mats, time clock facia insert, vented foot pedals in machined aluminium and a red enamel Kahn keyring.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 14, 2013

2014 Ford Focus Electric To Be Built And Distributed In Europe

Ford has already begun the production of the 2014 Ford Focus Electric, which is the first full-electric vehicle. In addition, this car will be the firs EV built by the company and distributed in Europe.

Of course, the Focus Electric emits zero CO2 emissions, adding to brand’s line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles. The launch of the model will be joined in Europe by the Ford C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric and followed by the Ford Mondeo Hybrid next year.

The car was developed as a “One Ford” global vehicle. It includes an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain. They both produce 145 hp (107 kW) and thanks to this the car achieves a Vmax of 84 mph.

Furthermore, the charging system of the Focus Electric includes a 6.6kW fully integrated onboard charger. The latter is capable of achieving a driving range of around 60 miles with 2-3 hours charging from a 32 A power supply. A full charge of the EV’s battery is in 3-4 hours and offers a 100-mile range.

Adding to this, this Ford EV is equipped with new user interface which is named SmartGauge. The latter calculates and displays the driving range based on remaining energy. In addition, the car also features unique braking and acceleration inputs, and wide range of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.

Focus Electric’s powertrain utilizes regenerative braking. This technology was developed with the aim of capturing up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy, which is usually lost during the braking process. On the other hand the innovative Brake Coach feature delivers gradual braking in order to aid the return of more energy to the battery.

First 2014 Ford Focus Electric vehicles will reach the customers in Europe from July this year.

Source: Ford

June 14, 2013

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar Goes On Sale [VIDEO]

Only 500 examples of 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar will reach dealers with their limited-edition attitude. Prepared for this summer, the Mopar ’13 Dart wears a signature Pitch Black exterior with offset Mopar blue racing stripe running from nose to tail. The similar color theme was used in the Mopar editions for Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300.

The interior of the car features seats which are covered in Katzkin leather. The driver’s seat is Mopar blue with black accents while the rest of the seats are black with blue accents. In addition, the steering wheel and shift knob are also wrapped in black leather but this time there is present a contrast blue stitching.

All in all, black is the dominant color throughout the interior. However, there are some color accents such as the Mopar blue lighting accenting the instrument panel.

Moreover, the engine under the hood of this special edition Dart is the turbocharged and intercooled 1.4-liter four-cylinder one. It generates 160 hp (118 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is matched with a six-speed manual transmission.

What is more, the car will include also a Mopar sport-tuned exhaust. In addition, the height of the car is lowered by 7 millimeters when compared with the base Dart. Its looks are further accentuated via the Mopar ground effects kit which comprises of chin spoiler, deck-lid spoiler, rear diffuser, and low-profile 225/40R18 tires mounted on gloss-black 18-inch wheels and premium disc brakes with slotted rotors and a revised calibration.

Some of the additional features in this limited edition Mopar vehicle additional features include an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen, wireless charging for smartphones, bright sport-pedal kit, door-sill guards and premium Mopar floor mats.

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar Limited Edition has a starting price of $25 485.

httpv://youtu.be/u–E9wQ-s4A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Dodge

June 13, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel With Featured Overboost

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will now offer to its customers quick off-the-line acceleration and at the same time which is combined with great fuel efficiency. This is possible thanks to the utilization of a turbocharging feature called “overboost”.

The vehicle uses a diesel turbocharged 2.0L engine which generates 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). However, the afore mentioned overboost enhances the torque up to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. That’s the equivalent torque generated by the 1972 Camaro Z28’s heavier 5.7L V8.

Despite the performance and unlike the muscle car era, the new Cruze Diesel has impressive fuel economy of a 46 mpg highway, and demonstrates a range of 717 miles on one tank of fuel. As a matter of fact, the overboost provides increased performance and thanks to it this Chevrolet sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.6 seconds.

The fuel economy on the other hand is achieved via greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process, as well as iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft. The last two features are designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine.

A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold are responsible for unit’s ability to offer balanced ride and handling. All in all, Cruze‘s turbo-diesel engine is powerful, efficient and clean and it aims to change the perceptions of what a diesel car can be.

Source: Chevrolet

June 13, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova